It was a busy Thursday evening. I wanted to make a quick dinner for my family. My kids were arguing over pizza or burgers.
Then, I had an idea. Why not make something fresh and fun? I remembered my favorite Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice and Beans. They were a hit with my family, full of color and zesty lime.
In just over an hour, we sat down to eat. Each bite was a mix of marinated chicken, fluffy rice, and black beans. I love how easy it is to add fresh toppings. Plus, everyone can make their own bowl at the table.
Let’s make these tasty Mexican burrito bowls together. They’re perfect for family dinners or meal prep. They’re full of good stuff and very satisfying.
Introduction to Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls
Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls are loved for their mix of Mexican flavors and healthy ingredients. They’re great for quick meals or prep work. I love how you can choose your favorite parts for a tasty and healthy meal.
Making a tasty burrito bowl recipe is all about mixing fresh veggies, proteins, and toppings. Grilled chicken, black beans, rice, and colorful veggies make a perfect dish. You can even use cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, making it flexible for everyone.
Preparing these bowls is easy and quick. Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes or up to 8 hours for more flavor. Then, cook and assemble in about 15 minutes. This makes it easy to fit into your busy week.
Burrito bowls are also good for you. Each serving has about 878 calories. You can adjust the ingredients to fit your diet. They’re full of proteins, grains, and veggies, making them a healthy choice.
Adding toppings like cheese, tomatoes, and red onion makes the bowls even better. They add texture and freshness. These bowls are perfect for any meal, from dinner to lunch.
Grilled chicken is the main star, and you can customize to your liking. This makes them a favorite in many homes. They’re great for any time of day.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts | 1 pound |
| Dried Long Grain White Rice | 1.5 cups |
| Black Beans (canned) | 15 oz (approx. 1.875 cups) |
| Corn (fresh, frozen, or canned) | 1 cup |
| Shredded Cheese | 1 cup |
| Shredded Romaine Lettuce | 1 cup |
| Cherry or Grape Tomatoes | 1.5 cups |
| Red Onion | 0.5 cup |
| Cilantro | 0.25 cup |
What is a Burrito Bowl?
A burrito bowl is like a burrito but without the tortilla. It’s a big, tasty meal that you can make your own way. It usually has rice or quinoa, protein, and beans as the main parts.
I like to use marinated grilled chicken in my burrito bowls. It makes the meal tasty and keeps it full. You can change up the toppings like grilled onions, black beans, and salsa. This way, you can make a bowl that you really want to eat.
Burrito bowls are great for meal prep. You can make a bunch of them and keep them in the fridge. This way, you can have a healthy meal ready whenever you want.
Health Benefits of Burrito Bowls
Burrito bowls are great for meals because they’re healthy. They help you control how much you eat. For example, a bowl with grilled chicken and veggies is full of nutrients and tastes good.
Making a burrito bowl at home cuts down calories and bad ingredients. My chicken bowl has 641 calories, which is less than many restaurant bowls. It’s easy to stay healthy while enjoying tasty food.
Burrito bowls let you add lots of fruits and veggies. Black beans and avocados make them even healthier. You can mix different foods for a meal that’s good for you.
| Nutritional Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 641 kcal |
| Total Carbohydrates | 54 g |
| Protein | 36 g |
| Total Fat | 34 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4 g |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 21 g |
| Trans Fat | 0.01 g |
| Cholesterol | 73 mg |
| Sodium | 168 mg |
| Potassium | 1354 mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 13 g |
| Total Sugars | 5 g |
| Vitamin A | 1283 IU |
| Vitamin C | 42 mg |
| Calcium | 79 mg |
| Iron | 5 mg |
Making a healthy burrito bowl is quick and fun. It takes just 10 minutes to prepare. You can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to five days.
Grilled Chicken Burrito Bowls with Rice and Beans
Making grilled chicken burrito bowls is fun. They are full of fresh ingredients. This makes them tasty and quick to make.
Ingredients for the Burrito Bowls
Here’s what you need for these yummy bowls:
- 1 pound NatureRaised Farms boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for cooking)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
- 1 can (15 ounces) black beans
- 1 cup salsa or pico de gallo
- 1 cup diced avocado or guacamole
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 cup shredded Mexican cheese
- 2 cups corn salsa
Step-by-Step Recipe Instructions
To make these bowls, just follow these steps:
- Marinate the chicken in olive oil and lime juice for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours for better flavor.
- Cook rice according to package instructions while the chicken marinates.
- Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 7-8 minutes on each side, until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- Assemble your burrito bowl by layering rice, black beans, grilled chicken, salsa, avocado, cheese, and romaine lettuce.
These bowls are full of fresh ingredients. They are a hit in any home. Enjoy making this healthy and tasty meal that everyone will love!
Tips for Cooking Perfect Grilled Chicken
When you make a grilled chicken bowl with cilantro lime rice, cooking the chicken right is key. A marinated chicken breast tastes better and is tender. Here are some tips and marinade ideas to help.
Marinade Suggestions for Grilled Chicken
A good marinade makes your grilled chicken taste amazing. Here’s how to mix the perfect flavors:
- Start with olive oil to keep the chicken moist.
- Add fresh lime juice for a tangy taste and tender meat.
- Spices like cumin and smoked paprika add a bold flavor that’s great with a homemade burrito bowl.
- Marinate for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, marinate for 2 hours, but no more than 6 hours.
After marinating, grill the chicken at the right temperature. Heat your grill to 350°F to 400°F. Grill chicken breasts for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until it’s 165°F inside.
For pan-searing, cook for 5-7 minutes on one side until it’s golden. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Baking works too; roast at 425°F for 18-20 minutes.
These methods keep the chicken juicy and tasty. It’s perfect for a grilled chicken bowl with cilantro lime rice. Also, use the marinade as a dressing or sauce to make the dish even better. Follow these tips to make a delicious meal.
| Cooking Method | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Grilling | 350°F – 400°F | 4-5 minutes per side |
| Pan-searing | Medium Heat | 5-7 minutes on one side |
| Baking | 425°F | 18-20 minutes |
Cilantro Lime Rice: The Perfect Base
Cilantro lime rice is a great base for any bowl, like a cilantro lime rice burrito bowl. It mixes fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro for a tasty flavor. Making this rice is easy and fun, making it a great part of an easy burrito bowl dinner.
Begin by cooking 1 cup of long-grain white rice with 2 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Boil it, then lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 18-20 minutes until it’s fluffy. After cooking, add 1 tablespoon of canola oil, half a lime’s zest, and ¼ cup of fresh cilantro. Mix well for a zesty flavor.
I also like trying different rice types. Brown rice has a nuttier taste and more fiber. Quinoa adds protein. These choices go well with grilled chicken, making my burrito bowl dinner healthier.
| Rice Type | Flavor Profile | Cooking Time | Nutritional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Rice | Light and fluffy | 18-20 minutes | Low in fiber, easy to digest |
| Brown Rice | Nutty and chewy | 35-40 minutes | Higher in fiber and nutrients |
| Quinoa | Earthy and slightly crunchy | 15 minutes | High in protein and gluten-free |
With these options, making a cilantro lime rice burrito bowl is easy. Each choice adds to the bowl’s flavor, making every bite enjoyable.
Customizing Your Burrito Bowl
Creating a burrito bowl is fun because you can add so many things. I like to try new ingredients to make my dinner special. It’s all about what you like best.
Roasting veggies makes a big difference. Try adding roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes. They bring new tastes and textures. For a veggie meal, grilled shrimp or tofu are great.
There are so many toppings to choose from. Here are some good ones:
- Fresh jalapeños for a spicy kick
- Corn for sweetness and crunch
- Shredded cheese for that creamy texture
- Guacamole for richness
- Sour cream for extra creaminess
Each topping changes the bowl’s taste. It makes the meal fun and different every time.
Customizing is key when I make dinner for my family or friends. I’m excited to see what new flavors I’ll discover!
| Ingredients | Variations |
|---|---|
| Beans | Pinto, Kidney |
| Proteins | Grilled Shrimp, Tofu |
| Vegetables | Roasted Bell Peppers, Zucchini, Sweet Potatoes |
| Toppings | Jalapeños, Corn, Cheese, Guacamole, Sour Cream |
Meal Prep Ideas for Burrito Bowls
Burrito bowl meal prep makes my week easier. I cook chicken, rice, and beans in big batches. This way, I have many quick and tasty meals.
Here are some tips to enhance my meal prep experience:
- Storage: I keep ingredients in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer, I freeze without sauce for up to 3 months.
- Mix-and-Match: I have many toppings and bases ready. This lets me change my bowls every day. It keeps my meals fun and full.
- Reheating: Reheating in the microwave is quick, just 1-2 minutes. It keeps the food tasty and fresh.
Using a healthy burrito bowl recipe is easy. I use rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken. It’s quick and keeps the protein high. This is great for people who are always busy.
The simple table below outlines my burrito bowl meal prep essentials:
| Ingredient | Preparation Method | Storage Time |
|---|---|---|
| Grilled Chicken | Marinate for 30 minutes, grill for 10 minutes | Up to 4 days (fridge), up to 3 months (freezer) |
| Rice | Cook for 20 minutes on stovetop | Up to 5 days (fridge) |
| Canned Beans | Rinse and drain | Up to 4 days (fridge) |
| Toppings | Prep fresh (e.g., vegetables, avocado, salsa) | Varies; best used within a few days |
In summary, burrito bowl meal prep makes my meals easy and healthy. With each recipe, I enjoy great flavors and stay on track with my health goals.
Delicious Toppings for Your Burrito Bowl
Making a tasty burrito bowl is fun. The right toppings make it even better. They let you make it your own and keep it healthy. Let’s look at some great toppings to make your bowl amazing.
Popular Choices for Burrito Bowl Toppings
There are so many toppings for your burrito bowl. Each one brings its own flavor and texture. I like trying new mixes. Here are some favorites:
- Sour cream or vegan sour cream for a creamy touch
- Guacamole, a must for many, adds smooth richness
- Fresh cilantro enhances the savoriness of the dish
- Diced avocados bring a buttery texture
- Various salsas, including Pico de Gallo and Corn Salsa, for that extra zing
- Jalapeños offer a bit of heat
- Shredded cheese, whether it’s cheddar, cotija, or feta
- Pickled red onions add a sweet and tangy crunch
I love setting up a burrito bowl bar. It’s fun for everyone to make their own. With cilantro lime rice and protein like black beans or chicken, it’s a full meal.
Kid-Friendly Burrito Bowls
Making burrito bowls for kids is a great way to get them to eat healthy. Letting them help with the prep makes it fun. My kids love picking toppings and making their own bowls.
Using mild toppings is key. This way, kids can enjoy the meal without feeling overwhelmed. Some good choices are:
- Shredded cheese
- Avocado slices
- Diced tomatoes
- Gentle salsa
- Plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream
Adding colorful veggies like bell peppers makes the bowls look fun. My kids like picking their favorites. This makes them feel like they own their meal.
These bowls are also quick to make. They’re ready in just 35 minutes. You can also store leftovers for up to a week.
Trying different proteins makes it exciting. You can use chicken, beef, or even beans. This way, kids get to try new things while enjoying their favorite bowls.
| Nutritional Information | Value per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 23 g |
| Carbohydrates | 41 g |
| Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 48 mg |
| Sodium | 737 mg |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
In short, making burrito bowls for kids is both healthy and fun. It teaches them to make good food choices. Try it at home and see your kids enjoy their meals!
Frequently Asked Questions About Burrito Bowls
Exploring grilled chicken burrito bowls with rice and beans often leads to common questions. People often ask about the nutritional value of these meals. Each serving has about 724 calories and 43 grams of protein, making it a healthy choice.
The mix of black beans, rice, and chicken gives us important nutrients. Fiber is key for our digestive health.
Storing leftovers is another important topic. I keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 hours after cooking. In an airtight container, they can stay fresh for 3-5 days. Freezing chicken and beans for 3-6 months is also an option.
This makes meal prep easier and keeps a tasty meal ready for me.
Leftover burrito bowls can also be used in new ways. Adding avocado or lime juice can make the meal exciting again. This keeps my meals interesting and supports a healthy lifestyle.
